Bobby Withrow-Clark Research Portfolio Reviewer: Wes Yourth

Introduction Does this section serve as a guide for the portfolio? Does the author reflect on his or her experiences transitioning to doctoral studies? What could be improved? The introduction outlines Bobbys past experiences and current professional role. With that he expands on why he chose to pursue a doctoral studies program and the transition into a researcher role. Intellection Identity Do you get a sense of what the authors area of expertise is? Does the author provide a clear, concise explanation of his or her emerging intellectual identity? What could be improved? Bobby clearly explains his desire to study school connectedness and his emerging thoughts about the role of athletics within school climate. It is also clear that his intellectual identity revolves around marginalized students and social-emotional learning. Research Interests Do the research interests clearly connect with the authors intellectual identity? Does the author review and properly cite a minimum of ten references? Is a clear whole in the research identified? Do the research questions address that whole? Do the research questions connect with each other and the authors intellectual identity? Is the significance argument significant? What could be improved? Bobbys research interests clearly reflect his intellectual identity and further studies about athletic participation and school connectedness. His questions aim to look at the role of coaches and students sport participation as it pertains to school climate and connectedness, which seems to be a hole in the research. Bobby mentions how athletics can play a positive role in school connectedness, one question I would ask is in the process, are there any negative effects of athletics with relation to school connectedness? Theoretical Framework Does the author provide an adequate summary of the theoretical framework? Does the theory connect with the authors intellectual identity and research interests? What could be improved? Bobby has a good idea about Resiliency Theory as a framework, but I believe this could be expanded upon. Who are the major contributors to the theory? How does the theory relate to school connectedness and extra-curricular activities? This just needs to be connected a little bit. Biases, Assumptions and Ethics Is the IRB certificate completed? Does the author discuss issues related to his or her area of interest in a clear and logical manner? Are there additional issues that author has not discussed? What could be improved? Bobby is extremely honest is this section and express some good thought into his own biases and assumptions. One question I would ask is what type of ethical dilemmas does Bobby foresee when conducting his own research outside his personal realm?

Resume and Vita Is the vita complete and professional? What could be improved? This seems to be complete and professional. I would simply add any professional memberships or partnerships with organizations Bobby has had or continues to have through his work. Course Plan Is the course plan completed? Does the authors plan clearly reflect his or her research and theoretical interests? What could be improved? Bobbys course plan could reflect past courses taken as well as courses following Fall of 2013 Reflective Journal Does the journal demonstrate critical reflection throughout the course? Are there issues in the journal that should be included elsewhere in the portfolio? Bobbys entries into the journal show a deep reflection into not only his process through his studies, but also how he can use his studies to create change within the issues that he feels are most important. Reflection Does the author critically reflect on his or her strengths and weaknesses? Does the author discuss faculty members who may help address these issues or help develop his or her intellectual identity? What could be improved?